By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Agency for the Development of Women and Children (ADWAC) in partnership with Wetlands International – Africa yesterday kicked start a two-day stakeholders’ forum on effective management of marine resources for the fishermen and oyster collectors.
The forum is part of the Agency for the Development of Women and Children (ADWAC) in partnership with Wetlands International – Africa implementing project called Integrated Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration and Management in Niumi and Jokadu National Park.
The synergy was held in Kerewan North Bank Region with the objective of building capacities on the Fisheries Act 2017 and 2018 Regulations to enhance effective group management in enhancing the sustainability of natural resources.
Speaking at the occasion, Mustapha Dumbuya, Livelihood Development Manager at ADWAC stated clearly the benefits of biodiversity and said, “Humanity will collapse if biodiversity collapses.”
Modou Cham, Principal Fisheries Officer at the Department of Fisheries who is the lead trainer said Fisheries Act 2007 and Fisheries Regulation 2008 aimed to ensure the proper utilization of marine resources.
He noted that the two days of training will help fishermen and orchester collectors to operate within the framework of the ACT and Regulations.
Mr. Cham thanked ADWAC for its foresight in complementing government efforts to promote the standards of operating procedures and desist illegal fishing.
Fatou Kasinka Sonko, an oyster collector from Jinack Kajata of Lower Niumi thanked ADWAC for broadening their understanding of fisheries ACT and Regulation. She noted that the protection of mangroves contributes a lot to the food security and income of operators.
She called for more support for women oyster collectors in the form of boats and other materials to ease the burden and boost income
